gimix

I will be staying at the Courtyard Marriott at Middletown, RI(July 4, 2005 weekend) and am thinking of making a side trip to Block Island? I understand that the ferry leaves from Point Judith which is south of Providence. How much of a drive is it from Middletown/Newport area to Point Judith? I guess the frequency of ferries from Pt.Judith is better than the ferries departing from Newport.

mm

You can get a ferry to Block Island right from Newport. It leaves from Ft. Adams State Park.

The ferry ride from Pt. Judith is shorter but you have to drive over the Newport Bridge through Jamestown, over the Jamestown Bridge and then south to Pt. Judith.

Definately take the ferry from Newport.

mm

EmilyC

From the Courtyard, it will probably be about a 45 minute drive to the ferry in Point Judith. You will have to traverse both the Newport and Jamestown bridges and the one way toll is $2.00. Unless you are going out there at 7 AM, I would stick with the ferry from Newport.All Rhode Island Beach traffic will be on the same bridges and roads that you are on and you could have some long delays both coming and going on this holiday weekend. Take the ferry from Newport!!

gimix

Thanks so much mm and EmilyC for your responses. I checked www.blockislandferry.com and according to that, there's a ferry leaving Newport at 9.15am and departing Block Island(to Newport) at 4.45pm. Was just wondering if there's so much to do at Block Island for a whole day?

mei

Please keep in mind that Block Island is insanely crowded and crazy that weekend. The ferry ride from Newport is 2 hours each way....I don't think it's worth it if you are not spending the night. Personally, I think it's better to do a day trip out of Pt. Judith. You have so much more flexibliity with times and there is a fast ferry from there that only take 40 minutes. Plus....if the ocean is choppy, that ride from Newport will make you seasick.

EmilyC

All due respect, and speaking as a person who has spent much time out there on the water, if the seas are rough, they will be just as rough from Pt Judith to Block Island as they will be from Newport to Block Island - it's the same basic stretch of water once you are outside of the respective harbors/breakwater. That being said, a painful 40 minute ride is better than a painful 2 hour ride !!!! The ferry folks must be using the oldest, slowest boat in the fleet! I honestly think that you would be better off picking another activity since it is the weekend of July 4 - maybe a sailing trip or a fishing trip!!

Kehsutton

Good advice, EmilyC. I second and I'm a huge fan of Block Island. Best time for a side trip is in September, when it's a bit quieter. Better to take a side trip to Sakonnet Vineyards or Little Compton or Tiverton-Four Corners.

gimix

Thanks so much everyone for your inputs. May be I'll do Block Island some other time. Thinking of doing Cliff Walk, few mansions, Ocean drive, Brenton Point State Park, beaches, Bowen's wharf and Newport Vineyards. Will keep Little Compton and Tiverton-four corners in mind Kehsutton. Thanks. Am I missing something? I'll be there for 2 nights and 2 days.

mm

Hello,

As one who has taken the Block Island ferry from both Pt. J and Newport I find that the fun is the ride rather than the destination. Block Island does not hold much attraction other than the cliffs but being out on the water with the wind and ocean and the gulls... fantastic.

Check: www.gonewport.com for other ideas.

If you do Cliff Walk recognize the it will be hot and you should have some h2o with you.

Finally, do not miss Brenton Pt. State park in Newport. It's along Ocean Drive and is a lot of fun. Acres of grass, expansive views, lot's of colorful kits, rest rooms, grill spots, tables: great fun.

mm

DonnaD44

Wow, mm, can't imagine why you're so negative on BI. I've spent many glorious weeks out there and still always find something to do. I personnaly wouldn't miss it--it's a truly amazing place.

mm

Donna honey, I just said it did not have much attraction for me. That's not a very bad things to say.

I'm glad you enjoy BI.

mm